One of the most unexpected (though very welcome) developments in the comic book industry this year came with the announcement that Marvel and DC are collaborating on a crossover for the first time in more than 20 years. And what two better heroes to ring in this new era of cooperation than Batman and Deadpool? Writer Zeb Wells (Hellions) and artist Greg Capullo (Batman) are joining forces for Marvel’s Deadpool/Batman #1 in September, while Grant Morrison (Batman) and Dan Mora (Justice League Unlimited) will follow up with DC’s Batman/Deadpool #1 in November.

With Deadpool/Batman #1 just weeks away, IGN was able to speak to both Wells and Capullo via email to learn more about this epic crossover and the inevitable clash of personalities that occurs when the Dark Knight and the Merc With a Mouth share the page. Check out the slideshow gallery below to see three newly revealed interior pages from Deadpool/Batman #1, and then read on to learn more about what to expect.

While it’s hardly surprising that Batman would represent DC in this long-overdue crossover, Deadpool is a slightly more unpredictable pick. But as Wells sees it, that’s the entire point. “You can’t help but smile and think of the possibilities the second you hear their names together,” Wells tells IGN.

For Capullo, half the fun of this crossover is the chance to work on two characters that have defined his comic book career at different points. Capullo first made a name for himself on Marvel’s X-Force comic in the ’90s, while his and Scott Snyder’s Batman run was easily one of the most successful titles in DC’s New 52 era.

“For me, it’s sort of working with the bookends of my career,” Capullo says. “I drew Deadpool when I was on X-Force years ago and, of course, I just did a long run on Batman. That’s pretty amazing to me.”

It’s been a few years since Capullo last drew Batman in the Dark Nights: Death Metal crossover. How different is exploring the Caped Crusader’s adventures in this new context? As Capullo explains, not very. There’s really only one superficial difference separating this Batman from the New 52 version.

“The only real difference was the new suit,” Capullo says. “The challenge was to use it while making it look like the Batman my fans have come to expect from me.”

As for Wells, while he’s been a mainstay of the Marvel Universe for years now, this issue marks his first real DC Comics project. Unsurprisingly, that was a big part of the appeal in signing on for Deadpool/Batman #1.

“I’ve always wanted to check out the Distinguished Competition’s break room,” Wells says. “And who hasn’t wanted a crack at writing a Batman tale? Greg’s involvement made it something I couldn’t pass up.”

One challenge with every crossover is in deciding how to bring the two universes together. Do you take the time to explain how and why these characters suddenly exist in the same space, or do you just roll with the idea and move forward? Wells reveals that he and Capullo took the latter approach with Deadpool/Batman #1.

“We jump right in! That was very important to us,” Wells says. “But I just did the math and we do devote just under one percent of the comic book explaining Deadpool’s appearance in Gotham.”

As for how these two superhero icons will interact, well, don’t expect Batman to have any more tolerance for Wade’s nonsense than the heroes of the Marvel Universe do.

“Deadpool shows up when Gotham City is in imminent danger. The worst possible time,” Wells teases. “Batman doesn’t have a lot of patience for Deadpool. And Wade’s take on Batman is… complicated. In the most Deadpool way possible.”

With this issue taking place in Gotham, it’s enough to wonder which of Batman’s many iconic villains will put in an appearance. Will we finally see what happens when Joker and Deadpool meet? Wells was hesitant to reveal anything on that front, teasing only, “There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Or is there? (There isn’t.) Are you confused, yet?”

Deadpool/Batman #1 will be released on September 17, 2025.

For more crossover fun, check out Batman’s 10 greatest crossovers ever and see the other Marvel/DC crossovers we want.

Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.